Description
The Fiscal Year 2026 Next Generation Warning System Grant Program aims to enhance alert and warning capabilities and improve resiliency of emergency alert and warning systems. The program will provide funding for projects that identify capability gaps and implement solutions for alert and warning to deliver timely public warning and emergency information and protect critical infrastructure. Eligible entities include states and Indian tribes. The program has a total funding amount of $48 million, with an expected award range of $2-10 million. Key objectives of the program include integrating effective alert and warning capabilities, testing and deploying proven tools and technologies, and coordinating whole-community public warning field training and exercises.
Some of the key projects that will be funded under this program include:
• Installation of IPAWS-compatible sirens and giant-voice systems
• Coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to enhance signals and availability for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radios
• Integration and deployment of emergency alert datacasting technology
• Deployment of systems and technologies that enable the dissemination of advanced visual and audio alerts
• Integration of IPAWS alerts in internet of things and streaming devices
• Development and implementation of policies and procedures for alert and warning
• Integration of satellite-based alert and warning technologies and other emerging capabilities